Pritch to pick team with priorities in mind (From Northwich Guardian)

Witton Albion manager Brian Pritchard has hinted he will change the team for county cup clash with Chester

10:42am Wednesday 13th March 2013 in Sport By Andrew Simpson, Senior Sports Writer

BRIAN Pritchard says he is likely to make changes to the team for tonight’s Cheshire FA Senior Cup semi final.

The Witton manager, who was on the pitch as a player the last time Albion won the competition in 2006, told the Guardian picking up maximum points against Kendal this weekend is a higher priority.

“I want to pick as strong a side as possible, but I need to bear in mind how important it is to win on Saturday,” he said.

“Sadly we don’t have a squad big enough to rotate as often as I’d like to, so it’s an opportunity to give some players a break.

“I have to be realistic, so nobody should be surprised if they don’t see a Witton team at full-strength.

“That will be my decision, but physically we’re on our knees after the run of games we’ve had in the past few weeks.”

Mathew Wood (ankle) limped out of Saturday’s 4-3 win at home to Worksop Town, while goalkeeper Matt Cooper (thigh) has been out for a month.

In the second round against Runcorn Town, Pritchard shuffled his pack to hand starts to Josh Horne, Josh Glover – since established as a first choice after Danny Meadowcroft’s departure – and Mike Moseley.

Joe Shaw, who scored the only goal with seven minutes left, was at that time often a substitute.

Pritchard said: “Chester have taken the competition seriously, fielding a strong team in the previous round [against Tranmere Rovers].

“With the form they’re in, [manager] Neil [Young] can pick whatever team he likes. I don’t have such luxury.”

His side have form though, for they are unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions.

It is a sequence that has taken them to third place in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division table and the Doodson Sport Cup’s last eight.

To read a preview of tonight's game, click here: http://bit.ly/XIclsC